Crime detecting cameras huge support to police work in Nottinghamshire – West Bridgford Wire
A network of crime-detecting cameras has proved a huge hit in targeting criminals and aiding police in their efforts to keep communities safe.
Millions of registration plates have now been read thanks to the increased number of automatic number-plate recognition cameras installed throughout Newark at the end of 2020.
The increased number of state-of-the-art cameras in 2020 and have been a huge benefit in helping officers fight crime.
The cameras, installed as part of the multi-agency Safer Streets project, have been deemed a huge success by officers after they provided millions of readings in relation to a large variety of incidents including thefts, police pursuits and burglaries.
From the data 332,889 were used proactively by officers in relation to insurance and tax issues and also intelligence information to aid them with ongoing investigations.
749 of those matches resulted in an immediate review and dispatch of police resources.
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Just one example of these was on 19 May 2021 when, thanks to the implementation of the devices, three suspects were arrested following an Audi TT being stolen in the Balderton area of Newark.
Officers were able to mark the vehicle and hours later it was seen through the camera coverage – leading to the arrests of three suspects.
Detective Inspector Jonathan Naylor, who is the force’s automatic number-plate recognition camera lead, said: “The community has really benefited from the implementation of these cameras and just over a year later it’s great to see the impact they’ve had on fighting crime in the area.
“The system means we can not only help keep areas safer but also be intelligence lead and proactive”.
“The community can enhance the network by providing information to us, especially in connection with any vehicles they may have concerns about in their areas.”
Following another vehicle theft in Newark on 6 May 2021 live sightings of the vehicle through the camera network directed officers straight to its location where a police pursuit ensued resulting in three suspects being arrested.
The automatic number-plate recognition system instantly checks a vehicle’s registration within a database meaning officers can stop a vehicle, check it for evidence and potentially make arrests in relation to ongoing cases or breaking incidents.
Inspector Matthew Ward, district commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “The introduction of the automatic number-plate recognition cameras throughout Newark and Sherwood last year has been a vital tool for officers to detect, deter and disrupt crime.
“The devices are a fantastic and versatile resource which enables us to detect and prevent crime by restricting the ability of those who use the roads to commit offences.
“Officers including our Response, Neighbourhoods and Operation Reacher teams are able to easily utilise this additional resource in connection with wider issues occurring within the county proving a brilliant tool in fighting crime.
“Thanks to the Safer Streets project we were able to implement these cameras throughout the area and now a year on we can really see the true scale of how important they are to the force.
“The cameras not only assist officers with enquiries and tackling crime but ultimately they benefit the safety of local people in the area and help us do everything in our power to keep people safe.
“It is so important that people feel safe and it’s really great to see the impact these cameras have had on tackling crime in the area and protecting our communities.”
Implemented as part of the Safer Streets project, the cameras are part of the joint partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council that was initiated to improve security in areas particularly affected by crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.
The project works towards deterring crime and antisocial behaviour by strengthening community cohesion and enhancing the local environment.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “It is fantastic to see the investment in ANPR in Newark already paying dividends.
“As these real cases show, ANPR has enormous capabilities in proactive police work, helping officers to build up an intelligence picture as part of ongoing operations. I hope it sends out a strong warning to criminals that there is no place to hide in Newark.
“I would echo the Force’s appeal for members of the public to continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious activity, especially in relation to vehicles. This information could be key in disrupting illegal activity on our roads and in our communities.”
Councill David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood district council, said: “Devices such as these cameras are yet another method we have implemented as part of the Safer Streets programme to reduce crime in our community and to help our residents feel safer and their possessions more secure.
“It is great to see this implementation working so successfully in aiding officers over the past year, and I hope that success continues well into the future.”
People with any information in relation to vehicles are asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or make an anonymous report through Crimestopers by calling 0800 555 111.
